The Malinauskas Labor government has announced an $8.8 million support package for impacted commercial, recreational and charter sectors as the current closure of snapper fishing is set to continue until July 2026.
The decision to continue the closure comes following the release of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Snapper Stock Assessment Report 2022 which showed that stocks remain depleted in the Spencer Gulf/West Coast and Gulf St Vincent fishing zones.
Snapper stocks in the South-East zone remain sustainable, and fishing is allowed within strict management arrangements including bag, boat and size limits as well as mandatory reporting of all snapper catches, either through the SA Fishing app or by calling Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.
The Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Advisory Committee, made up of industry and recreational and traditional fishing experts as well as fisheries management, economics, and science representatives, recommended to the government following their November meeting that the snapper fishery remain closed in the Spencer Gulf/West Coast and Gulf St Vincent zones, and the State Government has accepted this recommendation.
The $8.8 million State Government support package, which includes $2.5 million from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, will assist impacted commercial, recreational and charter sectors and provide a significant boost in science funding and research to best support the recovery of snapper stocks.
The package includes:
- $2.4 million in commercial sector fee relief for impacted snapper quota holders in the marine scalefish fishery, as well as charter boat fishery licence holders in the form of a 50% annual fee relief applied to their base licence fee
- $5 million ($2.5 million from the State Government and $2.5 million from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation) for a science program to improve understanding of the factors that underpin stock recovery
- $200,000 towards reef restoration projects, working closely with RecFish SA to ensure recreational fishers can play an active role in supporting snapper stock recovery
- $1.2 million over two years for a snapper restocking program that will produce nearly a million fingerlings to replenish stocks in the Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent.
PIRSA will commence work on the development of a snapper rebuilding plan and snapper bycatch/discard reporting framework, as well as work closely with Seafood Industry Australia in enabling their expanded national 'Stay Afloat' program to support the mental health and wellbeing of affected commercial fishers, charter operators and seafood processors.
The State Government will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of snapper, and all precious marine resources.
For more information see Snapper management.
